Arsenal Versus Leeds - One More Go Around and Theo Acts the Grown Up

Well, it certainly is ironic isn't it?  That in a world with so many people having so many problems, a social worker would need to scrounge around for extra work because of diminishing hours? That's what I've been doing the past week or so and consequently two things have happened.  One - I found a job (yay, me) and two - I haven't written a post in a week.

I could have written a "Man City Park the Greyhound" piece but that was done to death.  And of course yesterday, our bench players drew Leeds in the third round of the FA Cup 1-1.  We now have a replay on the 18th/19th of January at Elland Road.  It's an extra match to play, but from what I read during the match (via ESPN commentary and Arseblog's live blog), it sounds like the Benchers could use the practice.  Playing away at Leeds also means our boys will be playing in front of our away fans whom I suspect are die-hard and will do more to encourage those players who are struggling (Arshavin/Bendtner) rather than boo them.  They both could use a boost from the 12th man in my opinion.  As long as they are hustling - and my take on the match was those two were not slacking off - then I think encouraging our squad is our job.  Not humiliating them.

Off that particular soapbox and straight onto another. 

Let's talk about one of the subs who made a great impact when coming on...Theo.  In the 90th minute, Cesc converted a penalty given to Arsenal because Theo had been brought down in the box.  A few plays before that, Theo had ended up on the ground in the box also, but no penalty was given.  After the match, Theo admitted he had dived in that incident trying to win a penalty call - and apologized.

“I am not the sort of player to do it but I own up to it and apologise. It is something I don’t want to see in my game."

He not only apologized to us fans, but to Wenger and Grayson after the match as well.  And he's received some flak for it.  On Twitter, fans are worried he won't get penalty calls after this admission.  Some are accusing him of caring too much whether or not he's liked.  There seems to be some admiration but it is grudgingly given.  You know what I think?  I think Theo acted like a grown up in an atmoshpere that is rampant with the attitudes of arrested adolescence.  Instead of covering up a bad choice, putting on an air of indignation at the slightest accusation, or rationalizing that cheating is "part of the game", Theo owned up - without being prompted, mind you.  When it comes to our children, we want them to be responsible, don't we?  We want them to make constructive choices and display the ability to learn from their mistakes.  Why would we expect less from an adult?  Only in the sports arena would an admission and an apology be construed as "weak".  Well, maybe sports isn't the only arena, but you know what I'm saying.

So Theo gets an unequivocal "well done" from this Gooner.

Onto other news, it looks as though Wenger will be delving into the market in January as Squillaci has a hamstring injury from the Leeds game and *sigh* my Vermie has had a set back.  So reports John Cross of the Mirror anyway.  The article also goes on to discuss our possible targets being Gary Cahill from Bolton, Mertesacker from Bremen Werder or even Jagielka from Everton.  Bolton has a very small squad at the moment and I'm not sure if they would be willing to lose a player.  Of course, Coyle wants Vela on loan, so maybe some sort of deal could be worked out.  There's no news of injury to either player on the official website, but it's the weekend and the site usually doesn't put up any news until Monday.  I'll be tuning in first thing.  My British comrades of course, will get the jump on me - unless I get up at 3:00 AM which I don't foresee happening.

That's it for now.  We have Ipswich on Wednesday for the Carling Cup and I suspect the squad to be a duplicate of the FA Cup barring those injured.  Now that I am once again gainfully employed, I will turn by attention back to that which really matters...writing about Arsenal.  Have a good one Gooners.

Birmingham Result Sparks New Year



Robin converts his free kick...Cesc opens the Wall

 I'm writing my report after Chelsea's draw to Aston Villa.  Thanks to Villa's last minute heroics, Chelsea have dropped to fifth with Spurs taking their spot in fourth place.  And thanks to a confident winning performance at Birmingham, we are sitting in third place, one point behind Manchester United and Manchester City.  We are definately sitting in a great position, drafting behind the two Mancs who, if they were wise, would be looking seriously over their collective shoulders at the almost-ready-for prime-time-players of Arsenal.

The match at Birmingham on paper looked as if it could be tricky.  Birmingham had not lost to any of the Big Four teams at home this season and had consisitently held us off the past couple of seasons.  Wenger opted to start the same XI as he did with Chelsea, and they looked as threatening and powerful as they did last Monday.  The main difference in the outcome was that we kept a clean sheet against a defensive, physical side on a poor pitch on a cold and rainy day.  Last season, all three of those factors could have affected our play.  It has to be said though, this is a different, tougher team who are -I think - finally understanding what it takes to win.

Here are a few things I noticed

1. Bacary Sagna is a tough humble man.  Rarely have I seen him given to arguing with a ref afer a bad call or doling out retribution to the opposition after being on the receiving end of dirty play.  Twice yesterday Sagna was the target of petulant stamps by Bowyer.  Both incidents were not seen by any of the officials.  However, since the TV cameras captured the moments, the FA is looking at charging him.  My point is, Sagna did what he always does.  He got up and played on and played well.  He was the Man of the Match for me.
2. Robin is his usual self after coming back from a long layoff. He missed easy opportunites in front of the net.  At the start of last season, Robin took four Premier League matches before he scored and then went on to score 8 times in 9 matches before having his ankle crunched by one of our least favorite Italians.  He's in the right positions, he's unselfish and creating chances for others, and his free kick yesterday (assisted by Bowyer and Cesc's disappearing act from the wall) shows why he has the best left foot in the EPL.
3. Cesc is back.  One can tell from his sprints that he feels unhampered.  He is threading passes and keeping possession of the ball whilst defending it from three defenders.  His heart is there for all to see also as demonstrated by his reaction to Nasri's goal.
4. Djourou and Koz are the best defensive combination we have right now.  This comes as no surprise to many of you, but this duo is unbeaten.  And Koz did not make any costly errors.  In fact, I think his match was pretty error-free.  And DJ was impressive as always.  I can't wait to see the DJ/Vermaelan combination.  Who am I kidding?  I can't wait to see Vermaelan period.  But for right now, these two are holding their own.
5. This next observation has been evolving over the last couple of seasons, but here it is.  We can't get booted off the pitch anymore.  Kick us, bite us, put your studs into our kidneys (Theo) - we are not going to panic.  We are going to take it and then outplay you.  I notice that Wenger has stopped complaining about the bad tackling.  That's good.  Bad tackling needed attention brought to it and now that's done, we're getting on with things.  Hopefully, Bowyer will get a three game ban and Johnson's tackle on Cesc?  Well, that was paid for in spades by ...
6. Birmingham's Own Goal.  That's right.  Believe in Karma or Reaping What You Sow or whatever way you want to put it, but Johnson's deflection into his own net was sheer poetic justice at its best.  We thoroughly deserved it too, as we put all the pressure on them to scramble and defend against us...and they made an error.  It's nice when the other team does it, isn't it?
7. Fabianski made an important save and more than naught was aggressive with the ball on crosses, shot attempts, and set pieces.  He still flounders at times, but seems to build momentum off of one good display.  The drawback...what happens if he has a bad display?
8. Song seems to have found his rightful spot again and balanced his defensive duties with wanting to go forward.  He handled the midfield beautifully yesterday and did not have to race back, foul badly, and earn a needless yellow card.  Well done.
9. Theo is important even when he blows scoring opportunities.  His crosses have improved dramatically and he seems to get better every time he gets a chance to play.  He scares defenders, and after handling Cashley last week, I think Theo's confidence will only improve.  He's also so important for our defense as he raced back and tackled a ball forcing it out of bounds while covering for our full back.  For me, Andrey still needs to find that desire and hustle before replacing Walcott in the starting XI.
10. Nasri continued his goal scoring after being set up by our Skipper.  He had missed an easy opportunity earlier, but made sure to finish this shot - right footing it on the inside corner of the left post just out of reach of a diving Ben Foster.  Lovely.

That's about it really.  We have a HUGE game on Wednesday against Manchester City and speculation will focus on who will be the starting XI.  The squad will have four days in between matches, so theoretically Wenger could stick with the winners from our last match.  With FA and Carling Cup opportunities in the wings, he can afford to rotate later.  Let's hope there's no new injuries reported before Wednesday.  Have a good one Gooners.

P.S. (Oh - if you wondering?  Yes, I held that lucky pennant the WHOLE game - except for halftime.  What'd I tell ya?)

Time To Own Up



Lucky Pennant

 Sorry my post-match review is a bit tardy.  I needed some time to ponder the performance and result of the Wigan game.  There has been an abundance of opinion written already, of course, and I wanted to wade through the rollercoaster of emotions and come to a logical, rational outlook.  Here is what I have come up with.

It's all my fault.

I broke the number one rule in all of fandom.  If it ain't broke, don't fix it.  This imperative is represented in different forms in my "A Thank You" post.  If you the fan did something during a match to help our boys win...make sure to do the exact same thing next time.  All three goals against Chelski came as I was holding the above pennant in my hand on Monday.  I knew I needed it for the match on Wednesday.

I forgot it at home.

Not only did forgetting my lucky talisman (crafted by my nieces) affect our team's performance, it hampered my ability to watch the game.  I could not find one stream that would work without stopping every three seconds and then continuing with the players looking as though they were running in slow motion.  There was definately some bad juju going on there.  Apparently, magic flags have far-reaching affects. 

So I apologize to all my fellow Gooners for my inconsiderate and forgetful behavior.  I've taken full responsibility so you all can stop the bickering amongst one another about where the fault lies.  I mean sure, Wenger should know that if Cesc is suspended, the combination of Rosicky and Nasri can make up for that.  But TR7 alone?  I guess he could have played them together that night and then rested Nasri at Birmingham when Cesc was back.

And one could reason that starting injury-riddled Diaby may have seemed naive against a sprightly Wigan although I heard he was looking the best out there in the beginning.  Of course, now he's out until...when exactly?  He and Denilson filling in for Song and Spiky Jack may have had an impact I suppose.  Again, sitting them both out at the same time may be something he could re-think.  We really don't seem to have a pound-for-pound substitute for Song.  Ping-Pong is the young likely candidate and he's out (although looking good according to Wenger).

But let's not point fingers.  Remember, when you point your finger at someone, you have three pointing back at yourself.  My mom says so.

I suspect one can venture a guess as to what kind of training goes on at Colney when Wenger states that there is not enough organization on set pieces.  They have coaches for those kind of drills, don't they? I never played the game, but isn't the goalie suppose to help in that organization process by yelling at everyone?  And what about he'squietinreallifebutloudonthepitch Squillaci?  We know he and Koz understand only the Language of Love between them, not the language of football, so someone else needs to redirect them.  I think Chezzers would have been all over them.  Not that it would have mattered without the Lucky Charm.  Let's remember that.

Well, not to worry.  We have our third game in six days on Saturday and I'm pretty confident we'll get the three points we all covet.  Sure, Cesc being back from suspension will help.  Having Song plug up the midfield/score goals is a positive too.  Even having Djourou back in the lineup will definately be a bonus.  But when the final whistle blows, and we finish the week bagging seven out of nine possible points, you all know who to thank. 

Here's to a great win on Saturday and a Happy New Year to you all!

And That's How It's Done People! May I Have More Sir?



"Gooner Parking Only" sign created by always supportive Nieces



Due to my computer coming down with its own virus infestation, my Chelsea review post was put on hold and will be melded with my preview for the Wigan game today.

To start, I have to how fun it was to watch the game at my brother's home.  This is saying a lot because if you are a regular reader, you know that the group of Gooners I usually watch with have moved.  But my nieces helped create great atmosphere by making signs (see above) and Gunner pennants for us to wave throughout the match.  In fact, it has to be said that they are lucky pennants now.  I was holding mine when each goal was scored so we all know what that means.  Yep - they will have to be a permanent fixture in my clenched fists from now on during matches.

Anyway, pace and pressing was the name of the game on Monday as we did not give Chelsea any space, fought for every ball and forced errors.  Yes, Chelsea are in a bit of a funk these days, but Drogba is Drogba.  And to hold him scoreless was a treasure.  I disagree whole heartedly with those who say we won because Chelsea were poor.  I think we won because we were great and made them look out of sorts.  The team I saw on Monday is a team that can win the league.  All of Wenger's playing philosophy was proved correct as we played possession football, had Song going forward and everyone tracking back on defense.  I can't count the number of times Chelsea tried to catch us on a counterattack and there were already five red shirts back behind the ball.  Clichy actually had help shutting down his side and dawdled over the ball only one time.  Sagna and Theo made sure Cashley didn't get any of his crosses off.  And Djourour (my Man of the Match) and Koz beat Drogba to headers.

We went down after foolishly giving away a free kick, and although we looked shaky for a bit afterwards, we didn't cave.  Overall, I did not have one single complaint from the game.  It was pure euphoria and glee for me.

So, it's onto Wigan.  We have three games in 10 days coming up and today is the first chance we have to continue the winning form from Monday.  The way the table is looking, we need all nine points.  More importantly, the energy and discipline from our Chelsea win has to be translated to any player who did not get time on Monday.  I'm pretty sure Arshavin won't stay on the bench today, so he has a chance to show he can press all over the park as well as Nasri.  Cesc is out suspended, so Tomas perhaps has another opportunity to show that not only can he produce a great workrate, but he can score as well...Come on TR7!

I wouldn't be surprised if Bendtner gets some time today.  He can come off the wing allowing Wenger to sart Chamakh as well.  Will RVP get another start?  I thought he looked very dangerous Monday.  I've forgotten what a difference he can make with his aggression and strength.  I think he and Cesc have great chemistry on the pitch.  Sagna may get a rest as well putting Eboue into right back.  Poor old Clichy may have to defend the left side all by his lonesome if Arshavin plays, but Gibbs is still out so he'll just have to grin and bear it!

Matrinez' Wigan don't play the usual physical type style so traditional with the Northern football teams.  He likes to actually play and pass.  The danger is that they are fighting to stay out of the relegation zone.  No matter what style they play with though, if we play  like we played  on Monday, it's three points in the bank.

That's about it.  I'll be back (hopefully) with a post-match report.  GO YOU GUNNERS!!

Pedal to the Metal, Boys!

It's time, isn't it? Time for our guys to step up, play fearlessly, and walk away from Chelsea with their heads held high.  Walking away with three points wouldn't be too shabby either.  It's time to just go for it.  Playing cagey, stilted, cautiously, or half-heartedly will not dent this opponent even if they're having a dip in form.  They're looking to get back their confidence too.  We can't let them.  I say we take it to'em. 

Pedal to the metal.

What's that going to take?  We're going to need our offense to take more shots and pass less in the final third.  Make Cech work.  Be there for the second or third ball off the rebound and keep taking our chances.  Van der Sart got off easy in the Manure game.  We only took 11 shots and only 5 were on goal. That's not enough.  Let's also pressure them into conceding corners and see if our lousy record on converting those improve.  It's time, isn't it?

Our players up top are going to have to press and pressure on defense.  That means you Arshavin.  All the players have had two weeks off.  No international duty or Cups.  Everyone should be rested and ready to go.  Clichy will need help from Arshavin this week.  If he happens to toe a ball away from Anelka, Andrey, be there to double team and take the ball upfield.  Don't leave Gael to dawdle.  Sagna is going to battle Cole who likes to go forward and has delivered some nasty crosses leading to goals against us.  He needs to be shut down.  Malouda needs to be pushed out wide and nullified as well.  Sagna's side of the pitch, I think, is going to be very busy.

Pedal to the Metal boys

Song and Jack need to protect Cesc from Essien and shut down Lampard who is struggling to find form after being gone so long due to injury.  Let's not let Frankie get into the flow of things and start feeding The Beast known as Drogba.  He loves to score against us (13 for 13?) as we all know.  Cut off his supply and we won't leave our center backs so vulnerable.  Song - don't concede stupid fouls in their final third leading to free kicks and opportunities for Chelsea to score off headers.  Drogba and company are good at that as well.  Allow Jack to go forward and you stay back.

I'm not sure what forward is going to start today - Robin or Chamakh.  Wenger may play them both with RVP behind Maroune, but I don't think that formation has worked well so far.  Maybe Robin is pouting because he hasn't been first choice yet.  If I had to make the selection, I'd pick Robin because he's used to the physicality that Chelsea brings.  Chamakh has a great workrate, but is still adapting.  I think he would be easier to shut down.  Both need to take their chances. 

Shoot, shoot, shoot.
Run, run, run
Press, press, press

Pedal to the metal.

This tempo of game that I'm advocating means that we could tire - as well the old men of Stamford Bridge.  I'm hoping Wenger will look to substitute earlier than usual in the second half...espeically if Arshavin starts.  Bringing Theo on in the 60th minute or so will allow more time for him to make an impact.  Van Persie may tire as well.  Please don't wait until the 70th minute to make substitutions, Arsene.

Basically, I'm advocating for us to go all out.   For us to leave every ounce of sweat and guts on the pitch.  Take the handbrake off - it doesn't suit our style of play.  If we do that for the whole game, I think the fearlessness that we have been looking for from our players will be seen.  I mean, if you're playing at such a high tempo, how do you have time to remember you have a mental block?

Pedal to the Metal.

I really think we can do this playing our way.  If we start off cagey and cautious, I think it'll be over before it even starts.  We have a chance to accomplish a lot of things today.  We can earn three points and move back up the table ahead of Manchester City on goal differential and stay within two points of Manchester Untied.  We can continue building up our wins at the Emirates leaving behind a poor home record.  Most of all though, we can overcome the supposed mental block this team has in big games by ending Chelsea's dominant winning run against us.  I think the latter is the most important.

It's just time, isnt it.

So let's go you guys.  Pedal to the Metal.  You can do it.  COME ON YOU REDS!

All I Want For Christmas

One would think with a title like the one above, this would be a post about world peace, a cure for cancer, or that no child would ever go hungry in the world ever again.  But alas, it is not about those very meaningful wishes.  And...I have all my teeth as well.  So, let's talk about my wishes for Arsenal.

• My Numero Uno wish is for Thomas Vermaelen to return to the side in January to lead our defense.  I know that he won't be fully able to sustain whole games at first, but I think his presence on the pitch will inspire the players and fans.  It is very important that he not re-injure himself, so Wenger's long suffering patience is an important element to the Verminator's successful return.
• I also would like Song to stop roaming quite so much.  We all know he's been given leave by the manager to do so in order to combat our competitors midfield congestion, but I think it would be better that Cesc and Jack be the ones going forward while Alex drops back.  Jack has stated he needs to hone his defensive skills in order to balance out his offensive proficiency, but we can't expect him to succeed all the time.  He's 18 years old for goodness sake. And when Song hustles back after going forward, he gives away cheap fouls due to his clunky lack of speed.  I like Alex, but he may need some competition for his place to make him make better decisions which leads me to my next wish.
• We need another defensive midfielder to challenge Alex for his starting spot.  I'm not sure Denilson is up to the task.  His pass completion rate is impressive, but he and Song both remind me of my old Ford F150 who would never shift to 3rd gear.  He is slower than Alex tracking back on defense and has let referees and opponents sprint right past him.  I liked Rambo when he played there in that he's faster than Deni and Song, was aggressive, and had an eye for a forward pass.  I thought he also tackled and pressed better than Jack.  Who knows what he will mentally be like when he returns, but if he is operating on all physical and mental cylinders, he could put some needed pressure on Alex.  There also is a nice article on the Young Guns site on the progress of Coquelin presently out on loan to Lorient FC in Ligue 1.  He and Frimpong could also add pressure - but probably not for another season.  Here's one more idea.  Djourou was originally a defensive midfielder when he came to Arsenal.  If Vermie makes a successful comeback, why not have DJ as an option in the midfield?  Opinions?
• I would like closure on the Almunia ordeal.  Mostly for the Spaniard.  I feel for him that his "injuries" have left him on the sidelines watching the two Poles solidify their bids for Number One and Two.  He needs to move on and Wenger needs to be honest about it.  Arsene may have already told Almunia that he's leaving in January and just lied to the press.  Let's face it, Wenger would probably sell his own mother if it meant protecting his players from the media.  Hopefully, Manuel's contract is affordable and he can find success in a less competitive league.  He seems like a genuinely nice guy and deserves some frankness.
• Let's not forget about El Capitan.  I would love for him to find his form in the second half of the season.  Recovering from World Cup duties, hamstring injuries, and perhaps an "I didn't get to join Barcelona" hangover, our beloved Cesc peaking in the next few months would mean, I think, that Arsenal's form would follow suit.  He is as frustrated with his play as we are, and hopefully with injuries behind him, he can lead the way...followed by an in-form
• Robin Van Persie.  Can you imagine our athletic, creative, left-footed wonder in breathtaking shape at the same time as our Skipper?  I don't know if playing him behind Chamakh is going to work out, but we all now what he's like when he gets rolling.  I salivate at the thought.
• What about Clichy?  I think the fact that Gibbs needs to stay healthy to keep the pressure on is obvious.  But, I also think he needs a winger a head of him who is going to offer some protection and help.  I admittedly slam Clichy on a regular basis when he works his tail off to dispossess an opponent and then proceeds to dawdle which leads to the opponent winning the ball back.  Having a teammate track back to offer someone to pass to after winning a ball or to help double team an opposing player is vital, and right now Arshavin isn't doing his part. 
• Andrey needs to be benched when he doesn't work.  He doesn't have to score every match.  He just needs to improve his workrate and help out the leftback whether it be Cichy or Gibbs.  Playing him whether he plays full team defense or not just leaves us vulnerable to attacks from the wing. 
• I really want Maroune to outscore Drogba in our match on Monday.  I will preview the game in full probably Sunday night, but right now, I just want the Frech-born Moroccan to make more goals than the Ivory Coaster.  Didier loves to score against us.  Let him get one, Chamakh two, and there's the game.  I love Chamakh in that he is so effusive in his happiness at being at Arsenal.  His workrate is unimpeachable, and he hasn't scored since the Aston Villa game.  If Cesc is playing, I think he'll see more of the ball.
• And of course, I would love to see Super Sammy continue his run of confident goal-scoring.  He was shackled in the Manure game, but he has a chance on Monday to get back on track.  It's just fun isn't it?  Watching him come into his own while wading past two and three defenders to score?  His attacks really add entertainment to the game and seem to lift his teammates as well.

I guess that's it for now.  'Tis the season not to be jolly - not greedy.  I hope all you Gooners have a blessed Christmas which culminates in a victory at the Emirates on Monday.  JamrockRover has predicted a 2-1 victory for us on his blog.  Sounds good to me.  Enjoy your weekend and time spent with family and friends.  I'm off to church.   Until tomorrow...

A Thank You

Well, in light of the plethora of Premier League cancellations, I decided to fore go my usual pre-match write up and try something a little different.  Today was important personally not just because my club had a chance to step on the heads of Stoke players and fans on their re-ascension to the top of the league, but because my group of fellow Arsenal fans has broken up.  The two main pillars of the club - and my close friends to boot - left the area today heading toward warmer climate and new adventure.

Jeane and Doc are moving south, and today is the official moving day. Change is a part of life, I know, but that doesn't mean it gets any easier.  Jeane and I became obsessed with the Gunners and the beautiful game at the same time thanks to her husband's mania.   Doc taught me the basics of the game - but more importantly, he taught me the etiquette involved with being a fan.  I thought I would share some of these well-learned lessons with you as I bid a very fond farewell to my friends.

1. One must always sit in the same seat every game unless the team is losing, then exchanging seats with another club member is permissible, but not until the second half.
2. If you don't watch the other team taking a penalty and our goalie saves it, you can never watch another penalty being taken ever again. 
3. No talking about a subject other than football is allowed during the match - that 's what halftime is for. 
4. If we lose a match while watching at a club member's house, someone else has to host the next match.
5. No one is allowed to talk negative about an Arsenal player while they are still playing for Arsenal (during the Henry era),
6. Inventive explicatives are a sign of your passion for the game.
7. Guinness can be consumed before 11:00 AM.
8. Any new members must be approved for invitation into the club.
9. If you ever voice favor of another sport over soccer in the local newspaper, you are expected to bring a six-pack of beer to every match for the rest of the season.
10. Never say anything at anytime during the match that could possibly, in any way, perhaps jinx a player or the club or the coach...
11. Non-Americans know 1000% more about this game than Statesiders
12. If you hide your face in your scarf for set pieces and corners while Arsenal is on defense, and we hold, you have to do that until it doesn't work anymore.
13. If you know a fellow club member cannot watch a match live, assume they are watching it later and DO NOT TEXT UPDATES!
14. No one is to invite a guest who possibly could root for the other team "just for fun".  Ruins the whole match.
15. If we lose, talking is not necessary...for the men.
16. You are a new member and not taken seriously for the first five years as a probate.
17. You should know who we play next.
18. If Arsenal are consistently not playing well and it is the end of the season...do not expect Doc to cook breakfast.  
19. If you fall asleep during a match because you were up all night partying, Doc will hit you over the head to wake you up.
20. The MLS will never measure up.
21. Pacing helps the team perform better.
22. Washing your jersey is optional - especially if Arsenal won the last time you wore it.
23. Snow should not keep you from attending matches...hence my getting stuck in drifts last Monday.
24. Watching matches with friends is better than watching on your own.
25. The dog is lucky, let him stay in the room...no he's unlucky, put him out...the dog is lucky, let him stay in the room...no...

The most important lesson I learnt, of course, was that soccer is the best game in the world, and Arsenal are the best at playing it.

That's about it.  There are more stories rattling around in my brain, but the ones above really do sum up the last eight seasons.  So, my hat is off to Doc who was my main educator...to Jeane who was my fellow pupil and fanatic.  I will miss you both more than you can imagine.  I know we will keep in touch before, during, and after matches because we are Gooners 'til we die.  Thanks for everything.

We're Blaming the Pitch, Arsene?

Supporting this Arsenal team can be a cruel experience leaving one with feelings of distress and indifference all at the same time.  I really wanted this side to beat the Mancs for all the reason discussed pre-match.  I exhorted this belief to my cousin in Denver who is a Manure fan.  But when we put up the performance yesterday that rendered a 0 -1 loss...I really wasn't surprised.

I missed the entire first half because in my Gooner enthusiasm I was intent on ignoring the two feet of snow and blizzard conditions in my area and drive somewhere to obtain cable access to be able to watch the match.  This madness dominated my thinking despite my access to the main road being blocked by three foot high drifts and a county-wide state of emergency.  Notwithstanding the radio broadcaster's plea to "stay off the roads", I attempted driving anyway.  I had to see this game!  Needless to say, I got stuck in the aforementioned drifts, hiked to my neighbors where I sat having a beer with the wife while the boys pulled me out and plowed my lane.  What does Ms. Manners say about how long one should stay and visit after neighbors save your back side?  Umm...I decided two beers were enough and ventured on my way.  Long story short, I got to my destination at halftime.

I already knew we were down 1-0 thanks to my cousin who was not shy about texting something about the glory of ManUnited.  I wasn't too worried though.  I saw our lineup and thought we had a lot of creative force on the pitch.  We could equalize.  The second half started, and I began to worry.

We had some energy and the pundits said we looked better than the first half, but we were giving away passes.  Amazingly, we didn't concede on the counter attacks even with Nani flying down the flank.  Our best chance came when Van der Sar palmed away Nasri's low shot and Chamakh was there for the rebound.  He didn't finish it.

Cesc, RVP, and eventually Theo were subbed on but to no avail.  I think Theo made the most difference as he had a couple of great crosses into the middle but no one converted them into a goal.  Being one goal up, Manure seemed content to sit behind the ball and try to counter.  Time ran out and we once again had to witness Manchester United triumph over our Youth Academy-only-type club. 

Twitter and the blogsphere are full of people saying that Arsene was once again tactically outdone by Fergie who clogged the midfield with Carrick and Fletcher, benching Berbatov in the process.  Isn't our formation supposed to address a clogged midfield?  Isn't that the reason Wenger gave for urging Song to go forward instead of just sitting in front of the back four?  It just did not work against a solid defense.

So the answer is what?  I don't think blaming the condition of the pitch is one.  Neither is continuing to employ players who keep making mistakes.  Clichy poked away the ball from Nani three times and twice had it taken back by him because he dawdled on the ball.  I'd have rather seen Eboue in.  Yes.  Eboue.  Arshavin had a poor game against Belgrade.  Why did he start against ManU?  Our bench is deep, let's use it to pressure the starters. 

Can we really go for the title after five losses?  I can't see how we can afford to continue dropping points even with the table topsy turvy at times.  And we have tough games still coming up.  Stoke hate us (mutual), Chelsea is after Christmas, and then we have City after that.  Our boys are not known for hitting back after a loss.  Our pattern is to lose two and then get our heads up.  Champions League was one of the places we would lose.  We have none of those games to cushion a loss.  They're all EPL games until January.  There really is no more room for error.

So boys, get your heads up now.  You can do it.

I think.

The Table is Ours For the Taking

So here we are...Big Game Day.  I know many of you out there have said that playing Manchester United at this stage of the season does not make or break us.  I will respectfully disagree.  Points-wise, it won't hurt us too badly if we lose out on three.  We could still climb back up before May.  But it's the statement this team has been yearning to make over the past few seasons that is important.  Namely that Arsenal are a team to be reckoned with.  That our boys are tougher and stronger than past seasons and not to be intimidated.  They want to send the message that they are legitimate title contenders.

Beating the Mancs at Old Trafford will deliver that statement in spades.

Some of the boys have been talking about the match...some about what Evra the Idiot stated.  Nasri's response was that he didn't want to discuss the barbs; rather he would do his talking on the pitch.  Sagna stated that Evra just likes to wind people up.  Both of these responses are fine, but not what I would have liked to see.  My favored response would have been something like this:

Pundit:  So what do you make of Evra's comments in the papers about Arsenal being in crisis?
Sagna:  Someone said we were in crisis?
Pundit:  Um...yes.  Patrice Evra. He also stated that Arsenal were only good as a youth academy and were not a threat.
Sagna:  Who is this Patricia?
Pundit:  No, no...PATRICE Evra...you know...the starting left back for Manchester United?
Sagna:  Oh...the bloke on my national team that provoked a walkout and left all our nation in embarrassment?  I thought he retired.

Something like that...you get the idea.

Team news/rumor  ahead of the match is that Fabianski could be injured leaving an opening for our other Pole to fill.  Szczesny could get this start and what a statement he could make.  Many Gooners are salivating at the possibility.  I am curious to see how he will perform, but I would have liked to see him try things out against a team like Stoke.  Our defense is used to Lukasz, and he has been improving almost every match.  Throwing in a newbie when consistency is important could throw the team off rather than make us better.  Here's hoping Szczesny has a career maker of a match.  Question:  if our Number One goalie and Number Three goalie are both injured, whose going to be Wojo's backup today?

No mention if Cesc is fit enough to play today.  I think he will start on the bench and make an appearance only if we need an inspired cameo ala Aston Villa last year.  We have big games coming up too, so I think we should only use him if he is 100% fit - which I doubt.  We could use the combination of Tricky Tommy and Samir Swivel Hips to fill his creative void.  Having him on the bench and in the locker room, however, is important for morale.  Cesc is the most experienced player at Arsenal when it comes to playing Manure, and his presence could provide important motivation and advice to our less experienced squad players.

I'm thinking the squad will look something like this:  Szczesny, Sagna, Squillaci, Djourou, Clichy, Arshavin, Nasri, Rosicky, Jack, Song, Chamakh

Bench:  Van Persie, Theo, Bendtner, backup goalie (?), Denilson, Eboue, Cesc

That's abou it really.  Le Boss might start RVP instead of Chamakh only if he thinks Robin's experience in big games would outdo Chamakh's performaces so far.  I think our Moraccan can handle Rio who is in and out fitness-wise.  And I hope that when Chamkah beats Rio for a header, that he's wearing a snood doing it.

With Chelsea being so generous yesterday, the table really is ours to take.  I win will help us pull ahead of not only Manure but their hated cousins City as well.  Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to watch it live as I'm snowed in with three foot high drifts and a county in a state of emergency.  As I've whined about mentioned several times in past posts, I don't have cable either so it may come down to me just following the live commentary.  Sometimes living in the peaceful country can really bite.

Nevertheless, I am looking forward to supporting my Gunners any way I can.  Let's go out there and grab it all - first place again with some cushion, three points, and some friggin' respect.  Let's show Patricia that she doesn't know what she's talking about.  Come On You Gunners!

Title Titillation

You know - I'm one of those people who doesn't write a title to fit the post...the post has to fit its title.  In fact, composition revolves around my title.  But today, after witnessing our less than stellar play, our victory, and various opinions out there in the Arsenal blogsphere, I've decided that my post will be composed (mainly) of possible titles.  Which one do you think fits best?

1. Arsenal 3 - 1 Partizan...the Spanking That Wasn't
2. Arsene Throws Another Water Bottle in Show of Confidence in Qualification
3. So Wenger's Philosophy Works...Gulp!
4. Fans Riot as Arsenal Win!
5. Arsenal Qualify for Champions League Sweet Sixteen for 11th Straight Year...We Suck!
6. Arsene Must Go As Arsenal Win 3 - 1
7. Gibbs Unpredictedly and Shockingly Injured  - by the Turf!
8. Arshavin Surprisingly Sluggish in 3-1 Triumph
9. Arsenal Only British Team Not to Win Group...Yes They Finally Called Us British!
10. Robin van Persie Does NOT Injure Knees in Goal Celebration
11. Denilson Shaves Head  in Hopes of Increasing His Pace...Experiment Fails Miserably
12. Song and Denilson...the Non-Dynamic Duo
13. Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Shalke Dread Drawing Arsenal
14. Nifty Nasri Continues Scoring Streak for Lucky Arsenal
15. French Defensive Pair Not Speaking the Same Language
16. Third Win at Home Adds to Doubts for Supporters
17. Arsenal Manage A Weak Win With a 3-1 Scoreline
18. Go  Braga! -No... Go Shaktar!...No...Go Braga!
19. Eboue Shows Off New Calisthenic Warm Ups
20. A Balanced View:  We Won and For Now That's Good Enough

That about sums it up for me.  If you have a title that suits the game better, feel free to submit it in the comment section.  There's no game this weekend which means no preview until Sunday.  If there are interesting things to discuss in the meantime, I'll be back.  Until then, have a good one Gooners.